Identicards.
An identicard is a Washington identification card issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL) and is valid for up to either six or eight years.  The DOL must issue an identicard, containing a picture, to any applicant, provided the applicant:

• does not hold a valid Washington driver's license;
• proves the applicant's identity; and
• pays the required fee.

An identicard is distinctly designed so it is not confused with an official driver license, and it generally expires on the sixth or eighth anniversary of the applicant's birth date after issuance.  An applicant may renew an identicard by personally appearing at a DOL office, by mail, or by electronic commerce.

An at-cost identicard, based on the production costs rather than the usual $72 fee for an eight-year identicard, can be provided if the applicant is:

• under the age of 25 and does not have a permanent residence address;
• receiving public assistance; or
• being discharged from certain state or local juvenile facilities.

Proof of Identity.

Generally, to meet the proof of identity requirement when applying for an identicard, an applicant must display or provide the DOL with at least one of the following pieces of valid identifying documentation that contains the signature and photograph of the applicant:

• a valid or recently expired driver's license or instruction permit;
• a Washington identicard or an identification card issued by another state;
• an identification card issued by the United States, a state, or an agency of either the United States or a state;
• a military identification card;
• a United States passport; or
• an Immigration and Naturalization Service form.

Homeless Person.

A homeless person is defined as an individual living outside or in a building not meant for human habitation or which they have no legal right to occupy, in an emergency shelter, or in a temporary housing program which may include a transitional and supportive housing program if habitation time limits exist.

Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the DOL, working in conjunction with the Department of Commerce, must create and implement an identicard program to provide homeless individuals a new or renewal identicard at no cost to the individual.  Homeless individuals are eligible if they:

• show proof of identity;
• are expected to reside in Washington;
• meet the definition of a homeless person;
• do not have a current and valid state-issued identicard or driver's license; and
• have not previously received an identicard under this program.

(In support) People experiencing homelessness often have their belongings, including identification, lost or stolen.  Identification is a barrier for people experiencing homelessness to get into housing or apply for government assistance.  This bill helps those already overcoming challenges to get back onto their feet.  Identicards make it easier for people to restart their productive lives and reduce costs to taxpayers.  Identicards help people experiencing homelessness obtain a bank account and cash checks.

(Opposed) None.